The latest scheme to aspire to Exemplar status is the South Wales Metro and Transport for Wales has already set out how it wants to make the project one of the best in Wales. 

Like all major projects, the South Wales Metro’s, key to making sure that everyone benefits is the procurement and planning. That means focusing on outcomes, linking what we do now to what occurs in the future. That is why the Well-being of Future Generations Act is central to all Welsh Government activity. 

The Rail service and Metro development must be procured by applying the sustainable development principles of thinking in the long term: taking steps to prevent problems occurring, working with others and involving people in making decisions. The good news is that the team behind the Metro, Transport for Wales (TfW), has applied for the scheme to become a CEW Exemplar. 

In their brief, they want the Rail Service and Metro development including its design, construction, operation and maintenance to:

• Provide opportunities for good quality employment, made equally available to people from all parts of society and from a diverse community
• Be accessible to everyone
• Improve connectivity to increase the ease with which people can access employment opportunities and help emerging entrepreneurs and small and medium sized businesses.
• Provide opportunities for local companies to win business throughout the supply chain
• Safeguard our environment by reducing harmful emissions, reducing waste and improving biodiversity
• Enhance the culture and language of Wales. 

The approach the team is taking to exemplar is that:

• It is being procured through collaboration with Network Rail, Cardiff Capital City Region and other stakeholders
• We are seeking Operator and Development partners (ODPs) and Infrastructure Development Partners (IDPs) to form an alliance with us to deliver our long-term vision
• The procurement process and programme outcomes are underpinned by the sustainable development approach to social, economic, environmental and cultural issues, which will be delivered during and after the procurement, creating a legacy
• The procurement is using the Competitive dialogue method, which is not normally used for a UK rail franchise.  This method allows us to develop innovative solutions with potential partners
• The intention is to future proof the solution so it can be extendable and adaptable
• The contract award decision will embed the goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act
• The end user i.e. the passenger, is central to the delivery of the service and is being consulted throughout
• The quality of the solution is the main criteria for contract award and there is a clear focus on people both in delivering and receiving the service. The use of the Competitive Dialogue process to appoint the ODP enables TfW to undertake the procurement in an innovative and collaborative manner. 

Gordon Brown, CEW Director said “It’s great that the South Wales Metro are open to sharing their Learning, Knowledge and understanding with the Exemplar programme and the country as a whole and to Watch this space.”